The Benadryl Challenge is a risky social media trend that encourages people to take excessive amounts of the allergy medication Benadryl to experience hallucinations. This challenge has led to serious health risks, prompting warnings from medical experts and drug manufacturers.
Why Is This Challenge So Dangerous?
- Over-the-counter drugs aren’t always safe in large amounts. Many people assume non-prescription medicine is harmless.
- The dose that causes hallucinations is close to the dose that can lead to serious health complications or even death.
- In Texas, three teens were hospitalized after overdosing on Benadryl in May 2020. The FDA has been investigating similar cases.
How Does the Benadryl Challenge Work?
- Participants take high doses of Benadryl, hoping to experience hallucinations.
- Many record themselves and post their experiences online using hashtags like #BenadrylChallenge.
- This trend started on TikTok in 2020 and has since spread to other social media platforms.
Health Experts Warn Parents Of Viral TikTok 'Benadryl Challenge'
In the News: Benadryl Challenge
A 13-year-old boy from Ohio, US tragically died after overdosing on over-the-counter medication while attempting a viral TikTok trend, New York Post reported. The teenager died after ingesting 12 to 14 pills of Benadryl, an antihistamine as part of the ‘Benadryl Challenge’ on the social media platform TikTok. – NDTV
What Parents & Educators Need to Know
- Teens often face peer pressure to try viral challenges, even dangerous ones.
- Taking medication in excessive amounts is always risky, whether it’s prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal drugs.
- Many social media posts don’t show the full consequences—some teens may only share what seems fun while hiding dangerous side effects.
How Can Parents & Educators Help?
- Talk to teens about the risks of online challenges and peer pressure.
- Explain the dangers of misusing medication, even if it’s available without a prescription.
- Encourage critical thinking—remind teens that people on social media don’t always tell the full story.
- Teach them how to report or block harmful content on social media platforms.
- Stay aware—even though TikTok removes posts about the challenge, similar trends can appear elsewhere.
What to Do in an Emergency
- If you suspect someone has taken too much medication, call 911 or poison control immediately.
- Watch for symptoms like dizziness, confusion, rapid heart rate, or seizures—these are signs of an overdose.